Tanzania

Mountain Biking Tour from $5,060 NZD

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16 Days
  • 2012
  • Best time to travel: June - September
  • Availability Guide:
  • Current date selected
  • Plenty
  • Limited
  • Closed or too close to departure (Call Us for options)

Great diversity, great biking, great wildlife, ancient landscapes — see the best of Africa in Tanzania.

Jam-packed with national parks and game drives, this tour gives you the chance to see the Big Five — the African elephant, black rhinoceros, cape buffalo, lion and leopard.

You'll travel everywhere from the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro to the Rift Valley, with the world's oldest, largest and deepest lakes. You'll go game driving in the vast Ngorongorongo Crater and bask on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar.

Nairobi to Dar es Salaam

Jomo Kenyatta Intl. Airport
  • Mountain biking
  • Grade
  • Tour price subject to minimum numbers
  • USD 300 Single room surcharge
  • USD 200 Bike Hire
  • Tour extension available here
  • This tour is invoiced in USD
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Tanzania

Tanzania Fitness and Preparation

From basic tent accommodation to luxury camping; a boarding school dormitory to 4 star hotels, there's a great mix of places to stay.

This trip offers a moderate biking challenge, and can be altered to fit everyone's interest, abilities and fitness level. Non-biking partners are welcome to join.

This is biking as it should be — off the beaten path, and great fun!

Moderate Tours

Moderate tours have an expectation that you have an interest and regularly participate in the activities. Routes chosen will require a reasonable level of fitness and experience on different terrains. Moderate tours are suitable for increasing your activities and pushing yourself to new limits.

Fitness required

An average level of fitness is required, you will need to be doing some form of exercise three-four times a week leading up to this tour.

Full Itinerary

DAY 1

Nairobi (Kenya)

No biking

Arrive in Nairobi by late afternoon. You'll be greeted by your tour guide and driven to your hotel, about 2 km west of Nairobi's CBD. Depending on when you arrive, there may be time to explore Nairobi after you've checked in.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2

Nairobi (Kenya) to Mta wa Mbu (Tanzania)

No biking

After an early breakfast, we'll leave Nairobi at 6.30 am. We travel by bus to Arusha in Northern Tanzania for lunch at the Franziscan Mission, where we'll build our bikes and leave our main luggage. Then we'll jump into land cruisers for a 4 hour drive past hilly farmland, cornfields and coffee trees to the world-famous crater rim (2000 m). We may see our first monkeys, and trees full of storks and their nests. Our tent site is a lovely natural camp, with amenities including toilets and hot showers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

Ngorongorongo crater (Hole-Hole)

No biking

This morning there's an hour's drive to the world-famous Ngorongorongo Conservation Area for a full day of game driving. There's an excellent chance of seeing the so-called Big Five traditionally most-prized game animals: elephants, lions, black rhinos, buffaloes and leopards. With luck we'll see many others, including giraffes, baboons, hippos, etc. In the middle of the day, when the animals are elusive, we will have a picnic lunch beside a lake. At day's end, we'll return to our camp site.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

Lake Manyara to Mkuru Camel Camp

Biking/Elevation: 12 km cycling/130 m climbing

We take an early-morning game drive through Lake Manyara National Park, alongside the 600 m high Rift Valley escarpment. You'll see flamingoes, pelicans, and with luck, lions resting in trees. Then it's back to Arusha for lunch in a beautiful African restaurant, where you can buy handcrafts from local disabled people. Next we cycle to a remote and comfortable permanent camping ground with stunning views of Mt. Meru. At night by the campfire you'll hear the sounds of animals in the plains nearby.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

Mkuru Camel Camp to Ndarakwai

Biking/Elevation: 39 km/206 m climbing

Today you'll see Maasai settlements as we cycle past Tinga Tinga to Ndarakwai. While we enjoy our lunch, zebras and Maasai cattle will probably be roaming nearby. Today we are likely to see many birds and animals including giraffes and elephants. Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m) is just in front of us, and we’ll overnight at the wonderful Ndarakwai Lodge. This eco-conscious haven features permanent tents with thatched rooves and ensuites, and lives up to its slogan: ‘Luxury in Simplicity'.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6

Ndarakwai to Kamwanga

Biking/Elevation: 59 km/1300 m climbing

Today, as you cycle along the rolling foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro through grain fields, you're very likely to see many traditionally dressed Maasai people. They are very welcoming, and children in particular will call out 'Jambo' ('Hello' in Swahili). Our campsite tonight is in Kamwanga near the Kenyan border, and is a school ground surrounded by classrooms — a truly African experience. We may see Mt. Kilimanjaro in the morning from this elevated site.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

Kamwanga to Lake Chala

Biking/Elevation: 83 km/745 m climbing

We'll bike around a quarter of Mt. Kilimanjaro as our route leads us through savannah, forests and banana plantations. As we ride, you'll see local people in their daily work. Remote single trails lead us to tonight’s campsite, set in savannah-like grounds a short walk from Lake Chala, a sparkling crater lake. A swim may be an option before we finish this memorable day around the campfire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

Lake Chala - Marangu

Biking/Elevation: 26 km/755 m climbing

This morning there's a short ride up to Marangu, the main village which services Mt Kilimanjaro’s tourism. The higher we climb, the greener our surroundings become. We'll stop at Lucerne Inn (owned by our guide Serverin) for lunch, before riding just a few more metres to our hotel, which is set in a lovely garden. This afternoon is yours, to relax or to explore.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9

Marangu to Mambo View Point

Biking/Elevation: 19 km/1400 m climbing

After breakfast we'll drive about 250 km south to the ecologically important Usambara Mountains. After lunch at the foot of the road to the beautiful village of Mtae, cycle, bike/walk, or just walk up the steep climb ahead. Alternatively, just ride up! However you get there, the panoramic views are well worth it. Then, drive/cycle along the ridge through picturesque villages to the Mambo View Point eco-lodge at 1900 m, and enjoy breathtaking views over the Pare Mountains, the Mkomazi National Park and Kilimanjaro.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10

Mambo View Point to Usambara Mountains

Biking/Elevation: 58 km/885 m climbing

Much of Tanzania`s produce is grown in the Usambara Mountains, and today offers idyllic biking through well cultivated farmland. We'll stop in one of the villages to sample the local coffee or tea. Our accommodation tonight is Muller's Lodge, a mountain lodge at 1700 m in rolling forested hills above Lushoto, the main town of the region. The brick lodge, built in 1935, is renowned for its beautiful woodwork and furniture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11

Muller's Lodge to Korogwe

Biking/Elevation: 86 km/815 m climbing

Today we'll bike through terraced hillside plantations to the southern edge of the mountains. This is the region's main tea growing area, and just before lunch we’ll climb into the rainforest for the last time. This is followed by an amazing long downhill out to the plains. Your accommodation tonight is a twin room at an Anglican Mission in the town of Korogwe, with shared facilities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12

Korogwe to Pangani

Biking/Elevation: 101 km

Today there's a long ride on a mostly flat trail alongside sisal plantations and palms to the Indian Ocean. Our accommodation for the next two days is a small and friendly tented lodge built in a coconut grove on the shores of Tanzania’s mainland, just opposite Zanzibar Island.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13

Pangani

No biking

Pangani is an ancient town believed to date from before the 6th Century BC. Now mainly a fishing and vacation town, it was once a strategic point on the caravan route for exporting slaves and ivory. Explore the town or visit the Pangani Falls, a stunning waterfall which provides electricity to several major towns. Another option is just to relax on the beach for a well-earned rest after all yesterday's biking!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14

Pangani to Nungwi (Zanzibar)

No biking

An early boat transfer takes us to Nungwi at the north end of Zanzibar Island (also called Unguja). Zanzibar is known as the 'Spice Island' for its cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper. The boat trip takes about 2 hours. Nungwi is a vibrant fishing village loved by its many visitors. Our accommodation overlooks the sea to the distant island of Tumbatu and its lighthouse. The beautiful white coral and seashell beach is the perfect place to enjoy an incredible sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15

Nungwi to Zanzibar City

Biking/Elevation: 56 km/386 m

Zanzibar Island has lured traders, adventurers and explorers for centuries. We explore it by bike, and stay in Stone Town, part of Zanzibar City. Named for the coral stone of its buildings, Stone Town was once the heart of the slave and spice trades. Its winding alleys, bazaars, mosques and grand Arabian houses have changed little in 200 years. You can spend many hours exploring its fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways. Today we ride on single speed local bikes, and stay at a local hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16

Departure Day: Stone Town to Dar es Salaam

No biking

It's time to say goodbye to Zanzibar as our Tanzanian adventure concludes. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to Tanzania's largest city, Dar es Salaam.

Meals: Breakfast

Talk to me about your Tanzania Mountain Biking Tour!

Sandy

+64 3 982 9933

Email: reservations@globaladventureguide.com

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:

Tour Includes:

  • All meals
  • 4-5 litre of mineral water per day
  • Entrance fee to 2 Game Parks
  • Boat transfer to Zanzibar
  • Flight back to Dar es Salaam
  • Accommodation as stated in the itinerary

Tour Excludes:

  • Drinks & personal snack bars (e.g. Power Bar, etc.)
  • Travel insurance
  • Laundry
  • Passport or travel visa requirements
  • Bike hire
  • Single accommodation supplement

Tour Video

Tanzania is a great place to explore by bike - great biking, great landscapes and great people! This movie gives a taste of what you can expect on a Tanzania Mountain Biking tour with Global Adventure Guide.